The problem
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "Passenger car braking systems." On some of these vehicles, the right rear brake hose fitting may not be tightened properly, and a brake fluid leak could occur.
The risk
If enough fluid leaks, the brake pedal will be lower than normal, and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will tighten the right rear brake hose fitting to the proper torque specification, and add brake fluid if necessary. Owner notification began august 28, 2003. Owners should contact pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Contacts
Gm recall no. 03045. Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Pontiac dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 03V331000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.